Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:1

1. “A Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

A name among the sons of God, to be respected by the wise, and esteemed by the good, is far preferable to any wealth the wicked may possess; and to have the affectionate regard of those around us, conducers more to real happiness than silver or gold. Or, as the words may be rendered, Grace is better than silver or gold; a substance both more precious and more enduring.

2. “The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.”

Chap. xxii. 13. Chap. xx. 14.

Proverbs 22:2

Whatever difference subsists between men’s outward than, the Lord is to be acknowledged as the author of it; and before him there is no respect of persons; both are alike welcome to a throne of grace; both must meet together in the grave; the righteous, whether rich or poor, will meet in glory; and the wicked, of whatever condition, must lie down in hell.

3. “A prudent man foreseath the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”

Proverbs 22:3

The prudent man foreseath the evil, and hideth himself; shuns the temptation which would draw him into sin, and provides against the mischief which threatens him: but the simple, thoughtful of their danger, never look before them, nor consider consequences, and plunge themselves into sin and sorrow here and for ever.

4. " By humility and the fear of the LORD, are riches, and honour, and life."

Cf. xii. 1. Or, the reward of humility, &c.

Proverbs 22:4

Humility, and the fear of the Lord, are the great characteristics of true godliness; and wherever these are found, there riches, as much as is needful of this world, and the abundance of divine grace; honour, the most exalted, which comes from God; and life spiritual and eternal, with all the comforts of both, will be the portion of such an humble soul.

5. “Thorns and Snares are in the way of the forward: the that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.”